Peregrine White was born to William and Susanna White in November of 1620 aboard the Mayflower, while the vessel was docked off the coast of Cape Cod. Susanna was 7 months pregnant when she had boarded the ship bound for the new world. The name Peregrine means ‘traveler’; he was appropriately named for the travelers to the new world. Due to the location and timing of his birth, Peregrine White is believed to be the last surviving passenger of the Mayflower and the first Mayflower descendant born in America.
Peregrine was a man of many talents. He served in the military beginning at the age of 16 as a lieutenant before eventually a captain. Additionally he was also a farmer as well as a representative in the General Court.
Peregrine White eventually settled in Marshfield with his wife Sarah Basset, also of Marshfield, whom he married in 1648. Sarah and Peregrine White had 7 children. Sarah’s family had a vast amount of land in Marshfield, in which Peregrine and his family settled. Peregrine up surrounding parcels of land. He lived the remainder of his life in Marshfield before passing away in July 1704 at the age of 83.
The street, Peregrine White Drive, in Marshfield was named in honor of one of their most infamous residents.
